Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to provide funding for a new school in Saxmundham for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities; if so, when building will start, and when the school will open.

The government is clear it wants to make sure all children with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to achieve and thrive. We are committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, and ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs, restoring parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need.

Work on special and alternative provision (AP) free schools is continuing. As with all government investment, special and AP free school projects will be subject to value for money consideration through their development, in line with the government’s vision for the special educational needs system.

Projects are at different stages of development and the government is prioritising operational decisions on those that are due to open in the shorter term.